| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Certified testing $30 to $300 per device; labor $75 to $150 per hour |
| Time | Initial tester course is 4 days; test must be done before use after installation |
| Who's qualified | Must be a South Carolina state-certified backflow prevention tester |
What should I do today if my test was never filed?
Gather any enforcement or reminder letter from the water purveyor before booking service, since some local testers require it to schedule. Ask the water utility which tests are still outstanding and whether a fine is tied to them. Then contact a certified tester to retest and submit results.
How do I check that a tester is legitimate?
South Carolina requires backflow testing by a state-certified backflow prevention tester, and certification expires every 3 years. Ask for the current card or license date before any testing starts. Charleston Water System posts an Approved Backflow Tester List for customers in its service area.
What should the tester's test equipment meet?
The differential gauge used must be accurate to within 2% of full gauge scale or plus or minus 0.3 psi differential. Ask the tester to confirm this before the test. A completed test report alone is not enough, because the water system must keep accurate records of the assembly's location, type, size and annual results.
Does recent work on the property change what is required?
Yes. South Carolina rules require each backflow assembly to be tested after installation and before the customer uses it. If any plumbing or assembly work was done recently, schedule that test as well.
What to do next
- Gather the enforcement or reminder letter from the water purveyor before booking.
- Verify the tester's South Carolina certification card and expiration date before testing.
- Check whether the tester appears on the Charleston Water System Approved Backflow Tester List.
- In the quote, ask for the field test report and submittal form to be filed with the water authority, and ask for a copy for your records.
- Call (843) 286-4721 or email [email protected] for a free quote from a licensed, insured local backflow tester.
CHS Backflow is a free referral service: an independent contractor does the work and may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us anything.
